The House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment that would end special elections for legislative vacancies that take place 13 months before the next statewide general election.

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David Burkette is embraced by his wife, Linda, after finding out he had won the State Senate District 26 Democratic run off election on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Montgomery, Ala. A bill before the Legislature would end special elections like the one currently taking place for the seat.(Photo: Albert Cesare / Advertiser)

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Glover, R-Semmes, got altered before passing the Senate last week. The proposal at first would have allowed the governor to appoint legislators to vacancies if there were less than two years remaining in the term. But Glover said that idea — which would expand the chief executive’s powers in a state government weighted toward the Legislature — faced a struggle.

“There was opposition in both houses,” he said.

The Senate substituted the bill Thursday before approving the measure 27 to 0. In its current form, the amendment would cancel special elections for vacancies that occur after Oct. 1 of the third year of a quadrennium.

Had the law been in effect last year, the special election for the seat scheduled for May 15 would not take place. Candidates would instead run in the June primaries, and then the general election in November.

Ross' former seat will remain vacant through the current legislative session, expected to conclude by the end of March.

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Sen. Rusty Glover speaks at a press conference on the steps of the Alabama Capitol Building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday March 3, 2017. (Photo: Mickey Welsh / Advertiser)

The proposal moves to the House. If it passes that chamber, it will go on the November ballot for voter consideration.

The committee in January approved an amendment sponsored by Rep. Victor Gaston, R-Mobile, that was similar to Glover's original proposal.

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